For most Americans, the Fourth of July is all about good food, fireworks, family and pride in America. For a group of people on Thursday, though, Independence Day means that and so much more.

On Thursday, 22 individuals — all currently residing in Eastern North Carolina counties — were sworn in as American citizens during Kinston’s ninth consecutive naturalization ceremony at Harmony Hall.

“I’m feeling very great,” She Mar — one of the 22 sworn in and originally from Burma — said. “The ceremony was just a wonderful thing.”

Chief U.S. District Judge James Dever III presided over the event, as the 22 people — representing 17 countries — took the Oath of Allegiance and received their naturalization certificates in front of family, friends and supporters.

“It’s always a privilege for our judges to be able to participate in a naturalization ceremony,” Dever said.

U.S. Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., delivered the welcome message. He said he had nothing but respect and admiration for the new American citizens.

“This is the greatness of America,” Jones said. “These people loved and respected this country so much to become citizens the right way. They went through so much, learning our laws and constitution.

“This is truly a special event and it makes Independence Day that much better.”

One of the highlights of the ceremony was an address given by Dr. Max Kasselt of Kinston. Kasselt’s heartfelt speech about opportunity and freedom in America was moving, not only to the new American citizens, but natural-born ones as well.

“The ceremony is very inspiring and I was really touched by what Dr. Kasselt said,” Harmony Hall volunteer Nancy Hale said. “Even though he’s lived in places like New Zealand, Germany and St. Louis, he said that little Kinston was paradise to him and that he felt he belonged here.”

Kasselt — born in Namibia — became an American citizen in 2007.

“I know how they felt; I can feel for them,” Kasselt said. “I was proud and happy for them and they have a future. They picked a great country and if they apply themselves, they’ll be just fine. People who are born here often take opportunities for granted and waste them.”

After Kasselt’s speech, Dever formally approved the 22 people, making them American citizens, and led the Oath of Allegiance with them. Following presentations of the naturalization certificates, pins, flags, and booklets with the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence in them, there was a reception inside Harmony Hall.

Danielli Garcia — originally from the Dominican Republic — was impressed by the ceremony.

“They did a really good job and made it kind of like a celebration,” Garcia said.

Pride of Kinston Executive Director Adrian King — who recited a poem entitled “Freedom” by Barbara Cox at the ceremony — took time to praise the new citizens and implored them to appreciate the privileges America has.

Page 2 of 2 - “It’s truly an emotional moment,” King said. “We take for granted the virtue of our citizenship; being able to challenge the government and raising the devil with Congress. There are a lot of things we can do that other countries can’t and it’s a blessing.”

Overall, dozens of people offered congratulations, shook hands and showed appreciation to the new American citizens on the most patriotic day of the year.

“I’m really thankful for everyone who came out and gave respect,” Tran Bui — originally from Vietnam — said.

Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.